The South African men’s hockey side sank to yet another series defeat when they were beaten 1-0 by a low-ranked Ireland side at the Tshwane University of Technology on Thursday evening.
The match was a series decider that the hosts were banking on winning after a 3-0 series loss to England on Monday.
The difference between the two sides was a well-executed Irish goal from Eugene Magee, who beat advancing South African goalkeeper Chris Hibbert to score from an acute angle moments before the half-time hooter.
Magee’s strike was enough to hand the visitors a rare victory over South Africa and the all-important 1-0 series win.
On Tuesday evening, the sides drew 2-2 all after South Africa had gone into the half-time break 2-0 up.
South Africa, in this match, seemed to have a degree of dominance over their opposition, but could not capitalise on their possession.
The hosts fielded a young side, which the Irish were happy to frustrate with their physical presence.
Though Ireland offered very little in the possession and territorial stakes, they defended their slender lead well and managed to keep the South Africans at bay when it mattered.
While South Africa will tender the excuse of having an inexperienced outfit on the turf, they failed to take advantage of their creative opportunities.
After a modest first-half showing, South Africa applied the pressure in the second half and Leroy Phillips came within inches of equalising in the 45th minute when he top-edged with the goal beckoning.
South Africa were clearly the better side on the day as they camped in their opposition’s half throughout the second half, but their lack of creativity in front of goal and hesitance to take full control of proceedings cost them dearly.
Two consecutive series losses may spell disaster ahead of the Commonwealth Games, but they have been lessons well learnt for Paul Revington’s young charges. — Sapa